Alton trucking company, KFS, is accused of firing an employee because he was hurt on the job and aked to be compensated for the injury.
On March 30, 2012, Charles Zhoner Jr. filed a regulatory discharge complaint against KFS Trucking LLC.
According to the complaint, Zhoner says he was employed by KFS as a dispatched delivery driver and hauled commercial foods and worked for the company for 12 years.
In June 2011, Zohner says he received an on-the-job injury that required surgery. He says he later had to undergo follow-up treatments for post-surgery infections.
In November 2011, Zohner filed a worker’s compensation claim.
Zohner states that after the claim was filed, KFS “targeted” him and “disciplined him” for “behavior that was acceptable for employees who did not file worker’s compensation claims.”
According to the complaint, KFS refused to pay Zohner’s worker’s compensation benefits and medical bills. Zohner says he was forced to repeatedly file motions for sanctions.
Zohner maintains that while KFS eventually agreed to pay the medical bills, they have not actually done so.
On January 16, 2012, Zoner’s employment was terminated.
Zohner says he was fired from KFS in retaliation for filling a worker’s compensation claim. He accuses the company of violating the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act and Public Policy.
Attorney Brian Stokes is representing Zhoner in the suit. Zohner is seekign $100,000 in damages, emotional distress, loss of insurance and benefits. He is also seeking to be awarded punitive damages and court costs. Stokes is demanding a jury trial.
CDL Life requested a comment from KFS. At this time, they have not responded.